About this opportunity
Bartech Staffing lists this Design Release Engineer (Interior) opportunity in auburn hills, Michigan. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
As an Interior Design Release Engineer, you will be a technical authority in Instrument Panel (IP), floor console (FC), or decorative trim (deco) while leading the engineering development, integration, validation, and launch of these systems with an unwavering focus on safety, quality, technical excellence, and flawless execution. You will drive disciplined delivery to all vehicle development milestones, enable beautiful design execution, and achieve cost, quality, mass, craftsmanship, and performance targets across the vehicle portfolio.
This role requires strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and technical rigor, with hands-on responsibility for CAD/package integration, supplier collaboration, DFMEA/DFSS excellence, and robust validation-from early product definition through launch and into production.
Program & Technical Leadership
Design, development, analysis, implementation, and validation of complex instrument panel and console subsystems
Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across vehicle programs
Utilize engineering tools (DFMEA, ICDs, PFMEA) and leverage CAE groups including Safety Performance to develop the best system solution
Assess design to manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, vibration welding, vacuum forming, foam-in-place, wrapping)
Package components, manage CAD development through suppliers or designers, and collaborate with other vehicle systems (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints, etc.). Ensure best practices are incorporated in CAD models and schedule and lead Peer Reviews
Work cross-functionally to support vehicle configuration, realize cost optimization, deliver customer-driven requirements, and implement product and process improvements
Balance business imperatives including cost, part count, mass, complexity, timing, and content
Communicate with internal and external customer organizations and lead the product development team (PDT). Track and resolve open issues
Review and apply benchmarking for design direction competitiveness
Lead execution through change management processes
Support development of Statement of Requirements (SOR) and lead development of statements of work; serve as key partner for DFMEA/DRBFM/FEA
Lead launch activities with a quality and on-time execution mindset
Operational Excellence & Enterprise Alignment
Actively contribute to enterprise initiatives: CAE-driven design, virtual execution, automation, faster development, and enhanced supply chain
Maintain process discipline through project development: clear documentation, lessons-learned review, risk assessments, and disciplined engineering execution
Drive change management rigor with concise problem statements, alternatives, and documented impacts
Use benchmarking to calibrate design direction competitiveness and inform BOM strategies and feature/content decisions
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and psychological safety within the PDT-escalate risks early with facts and options
Strengthen knowledge management (checklists, playbooks, templates, references) and support global alignment on standards
Travel as needed during development, integration, and launch phases (plant builds, supplier trials, validation events, craftsmanship audits)
Required Qualifications
Education, Experience and Technical Depth
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Materials, or related field)
8-10 years in instrument panel, floor console, and decorative trim development with end-to-end exposure from early product definition through launch
Demonstrated outstanding performance in subsystem ownership, issue resolution, and on-time delivery to vehicle development milestones
Subsystem expertise in injection molded trim, foam-in-place, thermoformed skins, and cut-and-sew wrapping of substrates. Detailed knowledge of IP, IP Structure, and Floor Console performance requirements, applicable regulations, and best practices
Proven proficiency in component/subsystem design and development, vehicle integration, and design for manufacturability/automation
Mastery of DFMEA/DRBFM, ADVP&R development (validation plans), ICDs, and PFMEA collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering
Strong partnership with CAE (including Safety Performance) to validate robustness and inform design iterations using data-driven decisions
DFSS Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred. Demonstrated use of DFSS tools to prevent defects and enable read-across
Skills
Demonstrated ownership and urgency, with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive clear outcomes on cost, mass, complexity, timing, and content
Project management capability; PMI/PMP preferred
Effective in change management with clear problem framing, options with quantified impacts, and decisive documented approvals
Strong written and verbal communication; able to lead PDTs and coordinate with Creative Design, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers, and adjacent systems (Thermal, Electrical, Body, Chassis, Restraints)
Proven ability to influence without authority, elevate appropriately, and drive cross-functional alignment
Tools & Software
Proficiency with CAD workflows and release processes; ability to manage CAD through suppliers or designers, ensure best practices are met, and lead peer reviews
Established knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project; experience with CAD/visualization tools (e.g., VisMockup, NX/UniGraphics, or similar)
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm
Driving Requirement: Candidates must be 21 years of age or older, as driving will be required as part of job function
Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.
If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting or fill out this form to request accommodations.
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Worksite address
auburn hills, MI, 48326, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.